Oxford United in the Community have been delivering summer holiday camp sessions at the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground, thanks to donations from U’s fans.
Coaches from United’s charity provided special football skills courses to youngsters, funded via donations made by supporters when purchasing season tickets.
The Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground is a local charity that provides a safe and fun environment for children aged between eight and 13 to be active after school and during the holidays. The charity is predominantly run by volunteers and undergoes voluntary Ofsted inspections.
Oxford United in the Community recently delivered a series of football skills sessions to scores of children at the centre. It was made possible via donations received by the club’s charity from supporters which totalled just under £2,000.
Chris Lowes, Head of Operations at Oxford United in the Community said: “A big thank you to supporters who made generous donations when purchasing season tickets. Our outreach and engagement programmes at the Blackbird Adventure Playground this month would not have been possible without the generosity of the club’s supporters.
“It was fantastic to be able to deliver programmes in the heart of the Blackbird Leys community where the club and charity are based. The response we got from the children was excellent and it was great to receive such a positive response. We’re now in talks with the centre to see if we source funding to partner on an on-going basis and use the power of football to inspire the kids on a consistent basis.”
Sue Price, Manager at Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground said: “It was fantastic to have Oxford United in the Community here engaging with the kids.
“The children were so excited, and the impact was excellent, the sessions really inspired them. We work hard to deliver meaningful activities for the children and to have a delivery partner that shares the same values as we do come in and support us has made such a difference.”
Oxford United the Community’s strategic aims include increasing participation in sport and physical activity, improving mental well-being and engaging with isolated groups. Its coaching staff deliver programmes in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire.
Theyare qualified not only in football coaching, but in teaching interventions including Real PE, which focuses on the development of agility, balance and coordination, healthy competition and cooperative learning. The charity also delivers the popular Manor Club to the over 50’s to help tackle isolation in the older community.
The charity is currently celebrating its 30-year anniversary and recently appointed club legends James Constable and Les Robinson as Patrons. As part of the anniversary celebrations the charity launched a Dream Big Appeal to raise £30,000 in its 30th year to help it do more impactful work across Oxfordshire. People can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/OUITC30YEARS